Iraqi security forces and several thousand Shi'ite militia members came together Tuesday outside the Iraqi city of Ramadi. The government is considering a possible offensive to re-capture the city from Islamic State militants.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who is a Shi'ite, decided to send in the militia. Observers say the move could add to sectarian tensions in one of the most violent parts of Iraq.
US charges six Chinese with economic spying
The U.S. Department of Justice has charged six Chinese citizens with economic spying and stealing trade secrets. Justice officials say the suspects were sharing secret U.S. technologies with Chinese government-owned universities and companies. U.S. officials say the suspects stole trade secrets from two U.S. technology companies, Skyworks Solutions and Avago Technologies. They produce equipment for mobile devices that process wireless signals.
Members of the Iraqi army and Shi'ite fighters launch a mortar toward Islamic State militants on the outskirts of the city of Falluja, Iraq, May 19, 2015.
UN secretary-general to visit North Korea
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday that he will visit North Korea this week. Mr. Ban said he would go to the Kaesong Industrial Complex factory north of the neutral zone. The complex is jointly operated by North and South Korea.
It has been 20 years since a U.N. chief has visited North Korea.
Mr. Ban called the factory park a "win-win model for both Koreas."
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Words in the News
sectarian – adj. relating to religious or political sects and the differences between them
complex – n. a group of buildings, apartments, etc., that are located near each other and used for a particular purpose
zone – n. an area that is different from other areas in a particular way
win-win – adj. (always used before a noun) providing a good result for everyone involved